On June 16th, 2025, at approximately 9:33PM, deputies with the Queen Anne’s County Office of the Sheriff were dispatched to the Hilton Garden Inn in Grasonville, for a report of child neglect.
Upon arrival, deputies met with a hotel employee who advised that two patrons, identified as James Grant of Laurel, and Carrie Zauner of Columbia had allegedly left their child unattended in their hotel room while they went to The Jetty Restaurant and Dock Bar. Deputies found the couple in the bar and escorted them back to the hotel, where a welfare check was conducted. The child was found asleep in the room, unattended. A family member was contacted and responded to take custody of the child. Grant and Zauner were placed under arrest, and each charged with Reckless Endangerment and Neglect of a Minor.
Rock Hall House Fire Details
On June 21, a structure fire occurred in the 5600 block of South Main Street, in Rock Hall, Kent County, Maryland, involving a two-story single-family dwelling. The incident was reported at approximately 4:49 A.M. and was discovered by the occupant of the home.
The Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company responded with a total of 25 assisting firefighters to contain the fire. One alarm was raised, and the fire was brought under control within 25 minutes. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries as a result of this fire.
Cooling Centers Open In Queen Anne’s County
Cooling Centers are open in Queen Anne’s County through June 28th. If you’re aware of a vulnerable community member without access to a cool environment please call the QAC Department of Community Services at 410-758-0848. The list of cooling centers is up on the Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
Despite Legislation Failure, Community Encouraged To Stop Using Single Use Plastic Bags
Although an official ordinance to ban single-use plastic bags in Queen Anne’s County did not pass due to a tie vote recently, County Commissioner Phil Dumenil announced a campaign encouraging the community to none-the-less bring their own bags when shopping during the commissioners’ roundtable discussion June 10. The Star Democrat reports the entire community is encouraged to continue efforts for reusable bags and limit single use plastics as they join in the campaign
DNR Says Marine Animal Strandings Are On The Rise
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says the state is experiencing higher-than-average numbers of marine animal strandings compared to previous years. According to DNR, the five-year average from January to May was 10 marine mammal stranding cases. In 2025 so far, DNR says their stranding program has responded to 29. Animals found stranded included bottlenose dolphins, grey seals, a humpback whale, loggerhead sea turtles, and a minke whale, DNR says.
Rock Hall Pantry Undergoing Upgrades
The Little Free Pantry on Main Street in Rock Hall is being upgraded this week. The Evening Enterprise reports the pantry was purchased by No Child Goes Hungry, a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to the elimination of childhood hunger, one kid, one meal at a time. The Little Free Pantry is located in the driveway at 5764 N. Main St., behind the spiral staircase and Little Free Library. The pantry provides resources such as nonperishable food, dry goods, feminine care products and diapers to Kent County residents and visitors.
Goodall Tapped To Lead Shelter Alliance
The Shelter Alliance is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Kimrose Goodall as Executive Director, effective July 1, 2025. Founded in September 2024, The Shelter Alliance aspires to establish and operate a 24/7/365 shelter in Kent County, Maryland. Since its inception, The Shelter Alliance has provided emergency accommodations in local motels, o?ering temporary shelter to those in need. To date, it has provided 97 bed nights to 38 individuals.
Tours On Weed Management For Demarva Farmers
Half-day field tours will be held in three locations across Delmarva for farmers and others interested in the latest research on weed management options in corn, soybean, and vegetables, according to MyEasternShoreMD.com. Attendees will have the opportunity to see research plots and learn about successful programs for problematic weed species like Palmer amaranth. The tours will take place on June 25th.
Move To Add Bike, Pedestrian Lanes On Bay Bridge
A group of cycling advocates is petitioning to add bike and pedestrian lanes to Maryland’s new Chesapeake Bay Bridge. More than 55 local, state and national organizations signed a letter asking Maryland officials to seriously consider the idea as planning, design and construction of a new bridge is underway.
In the petition, the group noted that bike paths on the bridge would create the first commuting option for cyclists traveling between the Eastern and Western shores and would reduce traffic congestion.
Study Examines Historic Buildings In Queen Anne’s County
A project is underway to study Queen Anne’s County’s oldest historic buildings. The Bay Times and Record Observer reports a group of architectural historians will be producing a book on the early architectural heritage of the County, building upon the work of the late Orlando Ridout V, who spent his early career studying the buildings of the Queen Anne’s County. The project team includes former Colonial Williamsburg historians Carl Lounsbury, Willie Graham, and Jeff Klee, as well as staff of the Maryland Historical Trust. They are looking for buildings built prior to 1840 to study as part of this project.